Comments by "buddermonger2000" (@buddermonger2000) on "Why the Right and Left Hate Each Other." video.

Yeah, the problem here is the European system isn't much different except for the fact that the parties are super niche and in depth that you never leave with no variance among candidates. When you vote in Europe, you vote for a party. When you vote in America, you vote for a candidate. That person and THEIR position is what you agree upon. That's why there are primary elections. So, in effect, you get the European system of a coalition government made of many interests. However, the difference is that you get honestly even more say over how things are done because you're not voting for a party but instead for the person. Don't like the person? Primary election or even the other party. The candidate system is how you get situations like the Virginia rep flipping Republican and winning the race with 0 change in political position. You can break with party lines as a politician as long as you have the support of your base. You cannot do so in Europe or with a more diversified party system as, with more parties, you will naturally be forced to commit to the parties themselves instead. There's no commitment to the American system, which is why independents and swing voters are such important blocs. Does not exist in Europe.
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